Condemned to repeat it, condemned! I say

[oursin]

No, really, what is it with every 'wave' or generation of feminists complaining that their predecessors were Not Cool About Teh Sexx?

Interview with Betty Dodson that has me gnashing my teeth:

Dodson says her biggest fans are fourth-wave feminists bored with the right-on, anti-pleasure stance they feel third-wavers stand for; for them, Dodson's message of rediscovering your power through getting into your body and independent orgasm seems much more attractive than banging on about childcare and sexual violence.

Ummmm - wasn't it only yesterday, more or less, that the third wavers were moaning on about the puritanical second wavers, who were complaining about the prudish 'first wave' (you know, the ones who campaigned for birth control and legalising abortion and divorce law reform and all that good stuff).

I think this is about age of entry into feminism and the impact of experience, more than actual generations. After a bit, however keen on getting into your body and having super orgasmz you are (and these are not bad things), issues like sexual violence and equal pay and around childcare start to look a lot more important to you.

There's something weirdly depoliticised about her position - it reminds me of back in the 70s when I did a thing called 'sexual attitude restructuring' and raised a question - which never got a really satisfactory answer - about yeah, all very well to get in touch with one's sensuality and etc etc but what about sexual harassment and unwanted interest? (I did not really buy the allegation that you would be So Confident that this would be but a bagatelle with which you would be Able to Deal...)

I am also making like a goldfish about the 'private sessions' thing, because back in the dear dead 70s it was about groups with other women and sharing and a collective experience rather than private coaching. (Mi Ageing Hippie, I show u her.)

ETA I thought Dodson's name had come up in connection with the Woowoo Sect's Adopt a Clitoris campaign, couldn't immediately find any link, but lo and behold, was indeed the case.